Friday - October 17th, 2008 Who: James, Will, Devon, Wesley, and Rocky When: Afternoon Where: Boston What: Court and an accident.
James couldn't stop pacing. He kept checking his watch every few minutes after Rocky had hung up. When enough time had passed, and Will had returned with some coffee, not that he needed any caffeine at all, James said, "She should be here by now." That was when a passerbys comment caught his attention. They were talking about an accident. They'd just heard about it on the news. And while he had no reason to think, to even really suspect, that Rocky was involved in it, he couldn't stop himself from panicking just a bit. "Will, you don't think...." It was then that the lawyer came out and told them that it was time.
~~~ Will noticed the time slip by but said nothing because James was panicking enough as it was. Instead he just sat on the benches outside the courtrooms, watching his husband pace and check his watch as if it was about to blow up. He overheard some conversation ("...awful traffic, such a big accident...") and when the lawyer came over he stood. "She might be stuck in it, if it's as bad as they say. Just damn luck. Come on." He squeezed his shoulder reassuringly before guiding him towards the room. "We have to do this."
~~~ James growled in response to those words, following the party into the courtoom as he muttered, "I told her she should have left earlier. But does she listen to me? Never." If she was stuck in this mess, he was going to be pissed. She would never hear the end of it. He checked his pocket for his cellphone, ensuring it was on vibrate but leaving it on just in case she called. A quick glance was given in the direction of his son's grandparents, a scowl permanent upon his lips, as he took a seat alongside his lawyer and his husband and waited for the proceedings to begin.
~~~ "Stop fussing," Will ordered, making sure James didn't hang around in his pissy mood. This whole set-up was just plain odd. It was almost like Devon wasn't actually a person, but something to be fought over. He didn't have a voice or a say in the matter, didn't have an opinion because what would a five year old know? Will knew from his own experience that they could always know much more than you realised. Taking James' hand in his Will sucked in a breath. It was either Plan A or Plan B. He knew which he'd prefer but he was prepared.
~~~ "I'm not.. I'm fine," James muttered, trying his best to calm his nerves. It didn't work though. As soon as they were told to rise for the honorable Judge Turner, his heart lept into his throat and he was sure it was going to stay there. They were allowed to sit after a moment and the judge announced the reason they were there that day, to determine custody of Devon Elijah McCafferty, a minor child. Both parties were introduced, the maternal grandparents, Jacob and Kyla Leonard, and the father and stepfather, James and William McCafferty-Grey. The judge had just started to brief on the CPS findings when James felt his phone start to vibrate in his pocket.
~~~ Shit. That fucking phone and that fucking girl. Will glanced at James knowingly, but kept his opinion to himself. If it kept vibrating James would go insane, or Rocky would burst through the door just before the decision, or.... gripping James' hand the angel willed the judge to hurry the fuck up. He wouldn't call it a prayer.... but it was a hope.
~~~ As casually as he could, James slipped the phone from his pocket. He looked at the number and frowned. That wasn't Rocky's number. It was a local number though, here in Boston, which only concerned him that much more. But he hit the ignore button regardless, and focused his attention on what the judge was saying. Barely a moment passed before it started to vibrate again. It was the same number. This time, James leaned over to whisper to the lawyer who gave him a look before clearing his throat to interupt the judge. "Pardon, Judge Turner. We need to request a brief recess." While the lawyer was handling the judge, James moved from his seat next to Will to answer the phone. He was walking toward the back as he spoke, though he only made it halfway before he stalled.
~~~ What the actual fuck. Noting James' initial reluctance to answer this number - clearly not his sister - Will settled and focused on what the judge was saying. And then it rang again, and Will's nerves were strung out to breaking point, which was odd. Few months ago he wouldn't have given two shits if Devon was taken away. Now he couldn't bear the thought. Maybe he was really growing. Maybe he was - fucking phone! Breathing down his nose in a huff he gave James a glare before the lawyer requested a recess. Standing a few moments after James was walking down the aisle, Will paused. Something was wrong. "What is it?" he asked quietly, urgently, as he stepped up behind him.
~~~ The judge was not at all pleased with this sudden request. He started to ask for a reason, which the lawyer attempted to give, but he wasn't satisfied. Looking at James, he managed to get out the words, "Mr. McCafferty-Grey, court is still in session." This was about the time that Will asked what was wrong, James looking like he'd seen a ghost. "We have to get to the hospital." He could barely get the words out. But he was still aware of where he was, of what was going on. "I'm sorry. My sister.. she's been in an accident. We're going to have to reschedule this. I have to go." The lawyer was still standing in the midst of the commotion. The judge was offering his apologies. James heard none of it. "Get Devon," he said to Will. The kid was in with CPS still, waiting for the hearing to be over, but the lawyer could direct Will where to go.
~~~ Accident - Rocky - get Devon. Shit. Will nodded his understanding and immediately spun around to face the lawyer and inform him of the instructions before he had to give James one last reassuring stroke of the arm. "You go and grab a taxi, I'll be outside in two minutes...." The 'grandparents' were standing, asking what was going on as Will began to stalk past. Clearly their hearing was about as good as their intentions. "Devon's dear Aunt Rock has been in an accident in the city. You'll have to try and take him from his father another day. S'cuse." Brushing past them, following the lawyer, Will was taken to where Devon was being held.
~~~ James should have known. He'd had that feeling, that nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach, just like he'd had before his father was... No. Rocky wasn't their dad. She was going to be fine. She was too much of a bitch to let anything bring her down. He nodded his head when Will told him to go get a cab, his hands shaking as he put the phone inside his jacket pocket and made his way from the courtroom, everything that was going on inside coming out as a dull background hum. He was on the sidewalk hailing a taxi in minutes, finding one and having the driver wait so that Will and Devon could join him.
When Will came in, Devon perked up immediately. "Is it over? Do I getta go home now?" He asked, though a frown immediately creased his lips when he saw how worried Will looked. "Daddy Will, what's wrong?"
~~~ Will's mind was a mess but he'd never let it overtake him. He was worried for Rocky, of course, despite her bitchiness. Huh. Somehow he'd started to care for the actual loudmouth. He was concerned for James - Rocky was the only other family he had. If he lost her... and Devon, poor Devon. Looking at the kid's hopeful face Will hated that he had to tell him one thing, whilst knowing that he'd be put through all this again. "We gotta go to the hospital," he said softly, reaching out to pick him up. "Aunt Rocky's been in an accident, Daddy's gonna... we have to go." The lawyer spoke to CPS whilst Will tended to his son, ignoring anything they were saying before he was whisking Devon out to find James and get in the taxi.
~~~ The look on Devon's face was one that would break anybody's heart. His lower lip wobbled a bit as Will picked him up, his little arms wrapping around his neck. "Is Aunt Rock gonna be okay?" He asked in a small voice as Will whisked him out of the place. They passed his grandparents along the way, their gaze following the boy as he clutched to the large man who held him tightly.
James' face showed a small amount of relief as his husband and his son appeared outside the doors. He held the cab door open for them to climb in and then joined them, Devon climbing over onto his father's lap. James craddled him against him. "It's okay, little man. Everything's gonna be fine." Whether he was trying to convince Devon or himself, he wasn't entirely sure but.. It had to be. Everything had to be okay.
~~~ "I don't know, Devon..." He tried to be honest with the kid at all opportunities, apart from when it was something a five year old's ears should never hear. So it was to be a trip to the hospital.... Will fucking hated hospitals. They didn't need doctors. They needed healers. That was Will's only thought as he ushered Devon outside to meet his father waiting by the car. As soon as Devon was in his father's arms Will had brought out his phone, finding a number as the cab pulled out into the swelling traffic. "I'm presuming it's MA General," he said to James, glancing at him as he dialled. Waiting for it to be answered, Will's free ear heard the news on the car radio. Jams, police, ambulances... Will even heard a siren or two go by in the opposite lane. The moment Wesley's hungover voice answered the phone, Will snapped into action.
~~~ "MA General, yeah." James said it not only for Will's benefit, but also for the driver. He pulled out into traffic and started on his way. The traffic was horrendous. What the fuck had happened? "Can you turn that up a little?" He asked, referring to the radio. He turned it up just a bit and James listened intently, glancing over at Will as he started to talk. He frowned a little, wondering who he was on the phone with, but he'd wait until he was done to ask. Vaguely he realized there were some people he needed to call, but he'd wait until he knew something. Couldn't this cab move any damn faster? He was anxiously watching the road.
~~~ "Wake up, fuckwad.." Was his first sentence. Possibly not encouraging, but there you go. After having a minute argument with the healer about distances, locations and times, Will hung up with a serious expression and appearing somewhat annoyed. "Wesley's meeting us there," he informed James, though he didn't seem too encouraged. 'According to eyewitnesses, the bus ploughed into both oncoming and stationary traffic. Exactly how many fatalities are not yet known....' Will took a deep breath, staring out of the window. They had Devon back, but he hadn't expected it to be like this.
~~~ "Oh. Good." James hadn't even thought of that. And this was why Will was so important to him. He was his other half in ways that went beyond just.. what people saw day to day. The mention of fatalities on the radio, however, caused James to freeze completely, his heart skipping a beat. "They would have told me on the phone if.... Don't you think?" He looked toward Will needing reassurance. He was trying so hard to keep it together, if for no other reason than for the benefit of the scared little boy in his arms. But fuck, he felt like crying right now too. And screaming. And jesus fucking christ, he just wanted to get to the hospital already!!!
~~~ Giving James a completely blank look, one which he had perfected over the years, Will placed a stern hand on his arm. "She's made of strong stuff. It takes a lot to beat a McCafferty." Hell, Will hadn't been able to do it so a fucking bus wouldn't. It had no thought or function... but it was a little weightier. What Will's face was not displaying was the intense worry. If Rocky had, for whatever fucked up reason, been included in those fatalities, he wasn't sure how well he'd be able to support James. Noticing the signs for the hospital saying '5 miles', Will also realised traffic was getting thinner but there were no less sirens. 'Heart attack at the wheel... casualties... crushed.... ' "Turn that fucking thing off?"
~~~ James exhaled a shakey breath when Will told the cabbie to turn off the radio. The silence was sudden but welcome. He would have told him to do it if he had had the nerve. But he had been too engrossed in it to bother. He hugged Devon tighter and kissed the little one's head. He was quiet and still, just as worried as his father was. "I love you," James said rather abruptly. "There is.. I couldn't even..." The words wouldn't come, but Will was sure to have gotten the point as the driver weaved through a bit of traffic the last few miles and pulled up in front of the looming and large building.
~~~ "I know." Will understood what James meant. Taking his hand Will squeezed it, stroking his thumb across his skin before he saw the hospital appear ahead. Shit. This was the reality, right here. In the taxi it wasn't happening yet. In the hospital the truth would almost be hitting home, and then when they saw her... James would be a numb, resolute mess whatever state she was in. Will only hoped it was a breathing one. Getting out of the cab he paid the driver, thankful he'd thought to bring $500 in notes (for Plan B). Escorting his family inside he tried to make sense of the fray.
~~~ Just walking into this place brought back memories that he would have rather not had to deal with right about now. The last time he had been in a place like this was to watch his mother die. And now his sister was here and... He pushed those thoughts as far back in his mind as he possibly could. Weaving through the crowd with William at his side and Devon clutched to his chest, he couldn't help but notice all the people around. Some were crying, some were downright sobbing, others just looked numb or worried. He found a nurse in all the mess and managed to get out, "Raquel McCafferty.. I'm her brother. I got a call." The nurse nodded her head and told him to wait right there. "Wait, can't you at least tell me..." But she was gone before he could get the entire sentence out, leaving him standing there waiting for whomever it was he needed to talk to.
~~~ It was instinctive. Slipping his arms around James' middle Will gave his waist a squeeze, resting his head against the demon's. "Don't worry. It's going to be ok no matter what." He'd make sure of that. He didn't want to think of the finality of the ultimate scenario - but if he had to, he would. As he watched the nurse disappear he waited with bated breath as he tried to occupy Devon with smiles and asking if he was okay before the little woman was returning. "She's here. They're operating on her now." Will was about to ask how long it'd be when she read his mind. "I don't know how long, I know it's on the second floor, go and ask for Doctor Mellor he'll give you all the updates."
~~~ If Will wasn't here, James would have lost his mind already. He knew that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Will was.. a lifesaver. He closed his eyes and exhaled a breath as the other man gave him a squeeze and then nodded. "You're right." There's no way she was dead, right? And as long as she was living... It felt like it took forever for the nurse to return, though once she did and she confirmed that Rocky was, at the very least, alive, he nearly wanted to kiss her. "Dr. Mellor. Right. Thanks." A hand moved to take hold of Will's own and pull him with him toward the elevator that would take them up to the second floor. "How long until Wes gets here?" He asked once the elevator doors closed, wishing he had someone he could call to come pick Devon up but the only person he could think of was Rocky.
~~~ Will would suggest calling Pearl or Rez to pick up Devon but he wasn't sure that'd go down too well right now. If James felt that, at some point, Devon was not able to handle it here then Will would bring it up but not before. "He said an hour or so. He's hungover and I don't know how bad the traffic is from Danvers." Not that that helped any. In all seriousess Wes should get his ass here as soon as possible. "They won't let him in without a reason.... he's officially her father. Or Uncle."
~~~ These were the things that he wouldn't think about. Like Pearl and Rez for instance. Or calling Wesley. Or even that Wesley would need to be related to get in. He wasn't exactly good with thinking on his toes when it hit close to home like this. "He can be either. I don't care." The elevator dinged and the doors to the second floor opened. He took a deep breath before moving out, locating the nurses' station to ask for Dr. Mellor and being told to wait, he'd be with him when he could. More waiting. He could handle most anything better than that.
~~~ Stroking Devon's head, wondering if James' arms were aching from carrying him yet, Will didn't have chance to ask or respond before James was asking for Dr Mellor. It was time to be quiet. He only hoped the guy didn't come out looking sad or worn or... sucking in a breath Will tried to hold himself together. The emotions in this place were at fever pitch. He managed to block out James, but it was so intense from the rest of the people that it was starting to bleed in. "Come sit down..." he said softly, gesturing to the seating area. "He might be a while."
~~~ James nodded his head numbly when Will suggested they have a seat, walking over to the waiting area to do just that. Devon finally climbed down from his father's lap, sensing that he needed a little bit of space. He moved to a small table in the floor where there were a few children's toys and started to play, doing his best to entertain himself though James could see how even the play was half-hearted. James sat back in the chair and then leaned over to rest his head on Will's shoulder, quiet as they waited for either the doctor or Wesley to show up.
~~~ Fucking emotions. Will had always hated hospitals because they smelt disgusting, had sick people and were completely filled with moaning or crying relatives. It was full to the brim with tension and emotions and ugh. Will closed his eyes a moment in order to block out the stress heads before he decided to watch the action instead. Doctors running around. None of them Mellor, apparently. He looked at the clock - just after 11. Sucking in a breath he rested his head against James'. "I wish I could heal properly," he said softly.
~~~ "I wish you could too," James admitted, a small laugh parting his lips. "But Wes will be here. She'll be fine. He can.. take care of her and..." James exhaled a breath, unable to go on with this train of thought. He fell silent once more and stayed that way as the minutes continued to slip by. James kept checking the clock. Finally he sat up and asked Devon, "Are you hungry?" It was getting to be lunch time and they'd all been too nervous to eat a proper breakfast. Devon nodded his head shyly and James smiled. "Come on. We'll get you something. Will, do you..." It was about that time that two more people joined them in the waiting room, Devon's grandparents. James' jaw set as he looked at them. "What do you want?"
~~~ It was that, despite James telling him not to worry, that Will felt he had just failed James. The slightest trigger sent a wave through Will of regret and guilt and desperation. If only he hadn't fucking tried to stop the inevitable, if only he'd focused on his healing instead of try to stop it progressing. Disappointed in himself he glanced to the floor. He was no fucking use, none whatsoever. Wesley was more fucking use and he was hungover for fuck's sake. Still annoyed when James shifted he tried to appear calm, but James was asking about food and Will always had something to say about that. He was about to respond when he saw the grandparents - though not really, they weren't grand and they certainly weren't parents - appear out of nowhere.
~~~ "We just came to see how things were," the woman began, clearly put on edge by the look she received from both men.
James scoffed, moving to stand as he muttered, "I'm just peachy." It was when he reached for Devon that the woman really pissed him off.
"We could take him for some lunch, if you'd like." The offer was meant innocently enough, but James didn't take it that way.
"I have had enough of you trying to take my son for one day, thanks. My husband and I can take care of this." If looks could kill, that woman would have been hurting for sure.
"Then let us at least go pick something up and bring it back for you all. You should stay here, wait on news about your sister. It's really no bother for us." The woman took a step toward him and said in a softer voice, "James, honestly, we're only trying to help. We just.. we want what's best for Devon."
"I'm what's best for Devon. For my son. My son that your daughter wanted me to keep." His voice was raised, getting the attention of a few of the nurses who were milling about.
The woman looked as though she had been slapped in the face, but she nodded her head, taking a step back next to her husband. "I think you're probably right. We will... we'll just be going now."
~~~ Will was ready, if need be, to knock the fuckers out. He stood behind James, keeping an eye on proceedings and being the looming presence. He knew they realised his position here. He was the husband and had no trouble in dishing out shit.... but he didn't get a nasty vibe from these people. As the woman said they would be going Will found himself stepping forwards, opening his mouth and saying "If you wouldn't mind bringing us some lunch that would be a great help, thank you. We're tired, and worried... and she's right we need to wait for news on Rocky... right?" The last words was meant to stress that James should agree with him on this one, but gently enough so that the grandparents might not realise.
~~~ "Fine." James could argue with these people that he hardly knew, but he couldn't argue with Will too. He moved to take a seat, crossing one leg over the other as he exhaled a small breath. He was worried, on edge, but that was all understandable. And he didn't trust these people. They'd given him no reason to trust them. They hadn't even bothered to get to know him before deciding that he was unfit to be Devon's father. He wouldn't forgive them for that.
"Can we have pizza?" Devon asked, piping up for the first time ever. "Or a cheeseburger? With lots of ketchup and mayo?" That was his favorite way to eat it.
The woman smiled a sad sort of smile. "That's how your mother always ate hers."
Devon gave a small shrug as he said, "I know. I remember." He put another block on top of his creation before he set the woman with a look. "I want to stay with my daddies. I don't want to go live anywhere else. But you can be my friend if you want to. I know you miss my mommy too, but it won't bring her back if you take me away from them. It would just make her sad, and me too." He looked back at his house of blocks and added, "Can I have french fries too?"
~~~ The angel was very glad that James decided to back down and sit on the chairs, even if he did have a rather cute pout on his face. Will could never take his sulking seriously because of that look. Will was about to address the other three when Devon started speaking - it was best to let them have it out.
It had to be said that Devon frequently blew Will's mind. One moment it was something of profound intelligence... the next it was requesting french fries. Perhaps being a medium gave you enough insight into human nature to be acutely aware of what was going on, but at the same time allowed you to be yourself. In Devon's case, a five year old wanting french fries. "I can... pay for it if you want," he suggested, not knowing what else to say. It probably sounded like stupid compared to Devon's recent ramble.
~~~ The woman looked like she was on the verge of tears, her gaze moving from Devon to the other man as he spoke. "No. No, we can get it. Anything for the two of you?" James wasn't speaking, but she had a feeling that his husband didn't have an issue with speaking for him. They seemed to complete one another rather well, truth be told. It was easy to hear gay man and husband and to think that they couldn't possible be a real family but.. Now that she could see them together...
~~~ Looking to James who was still acting Devon's age, Will looked back at the woman - Devon's grandmother, to be more precise - and sighed a little. "He'll take some fries. He'll barely eat anything anyway. I'll.... have what Devon's having." It was easier than ordering the whole menu. Once the lady was leaving with her husband and Devon was happily playing with his lego or whatever it was, Will went to sit beside his husband. "You talking to me? Or am I a traitor?"
~~~ The woman was happy to do this for them. She smiled at the all before she took her husband's hand and they headed off toward the elevator. Devon was happy. He knew his words had made an impact. This was the first time he had ever had the chance to tell them how he felt. And while he may have been only five years old, he was perceptive enough to see that look behind the woman's eyes.
James looked over at Will as he moved to take a seat beside him. "I'm not mad just..." He sighed as he shook his head softly. "What's taking this damn doctor so long?" He better he off saving her life if he wasn't going to be here for her to talk to.
~~~ Whilst James' focus may have changed, Will knew he was still irked about the parentage situation so remained quiet. Stroking a hand down his back, Will merely traced his fingers along James' spine in a comforting motion. He liked it at home, he hoped the demon would like it here too. Five minutes after the dust had settled it was due to be ramped up again. Will spotted the doctor even before he had to introduce himself. It was Mellor he was sure of it, and true enough Dr Mellor, average height, brunette, 40-looking, strode up to them.
"James McCafferty?" he asked, not looking too depressed which had to be a good sign. "I'm Dr Mellor... I've been operating on your sister...." One look was all he needed to carry on. He knew how things like this went down. "Apologies that this has to be brief.... she is in a critical condition. She was involved in a direct hit with the bus.... there is severe damage but we're doing our best and so far she's a fighter. To be honest we're - pretty surprised that she's made it this far, but that makes us hopeful."
~~~ Of course James liked it. Here or at home either one, it was comforting, and he appreciated having him here with him more than he could ever know. Or maybe he did know. Either way, he knew he wouldn't have been able to make it through this without him.
When the doctor approached, all the tension that Will had managed to get out of James returned tenfold as the demon moved quickly to his feet. "I'm James," he replied, then listened attentively as the man explained the situation. "When can I see her?" That was his first question. He needed to see that she was okay with his own two eyes before he'd be able to relax.
~~~ Sucking in a breath Dr Mellor did the usual hand-gestures which was basically a shrug for intelligent people. "It's hard to say. We're doing the best we can. That's all I can advise for now. As soon as she's out of theatre I'll let you know." Giving James and Will a courteous nod he then turned and made a beeline for the surgery theatre. A little numb, Will turned to James. "She's fighting. That's good."
~~~ James exhaled a growl as the other man walked away, moving to sit down as he muttered under his breath. "I fucking hate hospitals." And now they waited again. Great.
James closed his eyes and focused on his breathing for a moment before his phone started to vibrate in the pocket. "What is it now?!?" He retrieved the phone from his pocket and looked at the number, a small frown pursing his lips. "It's the lawyer..." He explained, then moved to his feet to take the call, leaving Will with Devon as he walked a few feet away for a spot of privacy, not wanting Devon to hear his conversation.
~~~ Looking over at Devon whilst James stood and stalked off to take the call Will felt a small twing of relief. At least they had Devon for this. It would have been so much harder for James to cope with his sister being in hospital if his son had been taken from him moments before. Reaching out to gesture to Devon, Will requested "Come over here a minute?" Soon as Devon obliged the angel scooped him in his arms and put him on his knee. It was odd - he'd never done it before - but a part of him had needed to feel the little kid in his arms. A text message made his phone vibrate; Wesley. Replying with the floor they were on, Will then resumed his cuddles. "Aunt Rocky's doing well," he told him softly. "I like your building."
~~~ Devon didn't mind the attention in the least even if it was a bit odd coming from Will. He smiled into the cuddles and then nodded his head. "I know. She'll be okay. Jack says so. She checked for me." He glanced over at the building and then he shifted on Will's lap so that he could lean up to press a kiss to the man's cheek. "I love you, Daddy Will. I'm glad you and Daddy didn't break up like Jack said you were probably going to. Sometimes it's good that she's wrong. I'd miss you if you moved out."
~~~ Will remembered the first time Devon placed his little hand on Will's as a gesutre of comfort. The angel had been extremely unnerved, moved, and touched as well as freaked out. To have such a tiny person, a new person, respond to him was always odd. Living life avoiding them didn't lend him into their behaviour. When Devon gave him a little kiss on the cheek Will blinked in surprise, feeling a churning inside him. His eyes stung. This was weird. "Uhm.... " And now his voice was dry. "I'd... miss you too. And it's handy to have spies, I guess..." Where the fuck was Wesley when you wanted him?
~~~ It was always kind of funny how Will didn't know what to say or do like most grown ups did. Devon found it amusing, but he kind of liked how Will was sort of like a kid in that way. "Hey daddy," He chirped as James walked back toward them. "What happened?"
It was clear that something had definitely happened. James looked.. stunned, even more than he had when he had found out about Rocky. "They dropped the case," he said simply, a breath exhaled sharply as he moved to take a seat next to Will and Devon. "He just got the call. They... after they left here." And then he was hugging them, both of them, simultaneously.
~~~ Will had his heart in his throat for a number of reasons but the look on James' face told a thousand stories which didn't ease it any. When his husband broke the news Will raised his brows. Oh wow. That was - speaking of, where the hell were they with the lunch? Shaking that away Will was about to speak when he was glomped by his husband, sighing with relief. Devon was theirs. Devon was staying. "Thank fuck," he whispered to James, pressing a kiss against his ear.
Watching the exchange a recently-arrived and still hungover Wes felt awkward interrupting - so he merely stayed back, waiting for the right time.
~~~ That pretty much said it all, and James laughed softly, exhaling a breath of relief as he pulled back to look at his husband, his son, a hand reaching out to mess up the kid's hair.
"Wesley's here, " Devon announced, nodding toward the other man. He then climbed down to go back to his legos so the adults could do adult stuff.
Glancing over his shoulder to see the healer there, James moved to his feet. "Hey. Thanks for coming. She's still in surgery but... doing okay right now."
~~~ Wesley looked rough as fuck. He was at least wearing his clothes the right way around and he seemed somewhat alive. People probably just thought he was harrowed over the recent crash in town. Rubbing his eyes a little before he tried to resume appearing just a little professional, he nodded his hello.
"Jack says she'll be okay," Will informed James, as Wes looked between the two.
"I'll be honest - I dunno who Jack is. Just - any news from the Doc? Cause I can request Buckster and Mandy here if need be."
~~~ "Not a lot." James looked back at Will, a frown pursing his lips as he tried to recover all that he had said. "He said there was a lot of damage but she was a fighter. They were actually pretty shocked that she was doing as well as she was but.. They were hopeful." That just about covered it. "He said he'd be back by as soon as they were done."
~~~ Wes nodded his understanding. He knew Doctor jargin and the buzzwords used to calm friends and family if their loved ones were going through hell in the operating room. So far it seemed encouraging. "Fighter means she's pulling through, just depends what the damage is and how well they handle it," he grumbled, giving a little cough then going to sit down, without being asked. He was tired and it'd be a long wait. "You better get comfortable," he informed them. "It's gonna be a while."
Will decided to take his advice.
~~~ James didn't want to wait, didn't want to sit down but he didn't really have a choice. He sighed, took a seat, and he waited. And then he waited some more. And then he got up and started to pace just before Devon's grandparents showed up once more.
"Any news?" The grandmother asked, listening as she moved to the small table so that she could put the food down. Devon was quick to dig into it.
"She's still in surgery," James replied, then he hesitated before he said, "Thank you." He couldn't say more. And thankfully he didn't need to. The woman simply smiled and nodded her head.
"I must be going. My husband is waiting in the car. But if you need anything...." She gave him a piece of paper with her number on it. "We'd like to see him," she added, looking over at Devon for a moment. "If that's alright with you."
James nodded his head and then watched the woman go before he walked over to take a seat next to his husband once more as both he and Devon dug into their food. "Fries?" He asked, offering those that were brought for him to Wesley. There was no way he could eat right now.
~~~ Will was a hungry man and like his step-son he dug into the food like he hadn't eaten for two weeks. Eyeing the fries with a keen gaze, Wes considered James' offer for a split second before he took them out of his hand. "Thanksh," was his reply, mouth full. Having skipped breakfast to be here it was probably not the healthiest breakfast ever, but it wasn't the worst he'd had.
The hours did drag though. Wes took to napping in the corner, spread out on seats. Will took to browsing the net on his phone and occasionally taking the time to reassuringly pet his husband. It was at about 2pm that a tiny little nurse approached them, fresh scrubs on. "Raquel McCaffery's family?" she asked with a tiny, preppy smile. For once Will wasn't disgusted by it. "She's out of surgery now. Doctor Mellor is just seeing that she's settled in her room..."
~~~ It felt like an eternity had passed in that room before someone finally appeared. The very second her name was mentioned, James was on his feet. "Yes, that's us." He listened to what the nurse had to say, but he barely let her finish before he asked, "When can we see her?" The sooner Wesley could get to her, the better.
~~~ Not at all surprised by the question, the nurse nevertheless looked between them all. "As soon as we're sure she's comfortable, you can go and see her, it won't be a few moments but just be patient. Doctor Mellor would like you to know that she's stable but she's not out of the woods yet. I'll just go check then come back and get you." Giving them another smile and a nod the nurse went away towards the ward section of the floor. Wesley was already rubbing his hands in preparation and Will just felt even more useless. With his usually-sten posture slumped he folded his arms, awaiting the nurse to return.
~~~ As quick as she had arrived, she was gone. And James felt better but not as better as he wanted to feel really. Still, this was good news, right? She was okay. Not out of the woods but.. Wes could work with that. "Can you stay out here with Devon?" James asked, looking over at Will. "I'd rather him not see her like this so..." That was one thing Will could do for him right now.
~~~ Will nodded. He'd figured it'd be minimum people allowed in the room anyway and it gave him an excuse to not feel completely in the way. Stepping over to Devon like he was his new assignment he encouraged him to return to the playing area. "Come on. Rocky'll be able to see you soon, yeah? Just - show me how to make a castle or whatever."
Flexing his fingers Wes looked ready. He didn't feel it but he needed to heal someone so he'd snap himself out of the hangover in preparation for getting drunk again later. "I'll try... you know. Do my best. I'll do all I can. See what's wrong. Patch her up..."
"Excuse me?" The nurse had re-appeared near a door not too far down the hallway. She beckoned them over. "You can come in now."
~~~ With Devon settled and Wes looking, well, as ready as a man with a hangover could look, James was ready as well. He headed down the hallway, Wesley behind him, to meet the nurse near the door. "He's our uncle. We're all very close." This was how he chose to explain Wes, thinking he would appreciate not being referred to as "dad". He wasn't sure that he was ready to see this. He was nervous about the way she was going to look once he was inside, but he took a deep breath to steady himself so that he could walk through the door.
~~~ Uncle, huh. He hadn't heard that in a while. Nodding gravely as a caring Uncle should, Wes slipped into the room behind James and immediately went to the bed. Seeing tubes and monitors attached to patients was second nature to him and he managed to ignore it but Rocky was clearly out cold. She was propped up delicately on some pillows, pale against her hair that was still red from the blood of her wounds. Her face was scratched but not too badly, most of the damage was probably on the inside. Bleeps sounded on every heartbeat and a slow, paced rhythmn signalled her breathing. Wes took a seat beside her as Doctor Mellor reeled off her internal injuries with several keywords to make them sound less serious.
~~~ James really didn't want to hear all of this, though he felt as if he probably needed to. But before the doctor could finish, he waved his hand to signal that that was enough. "Can you please just.. give us a few minutes alone with her?" It was a shock seeing her like this. It reminded him of their mother. But he pushed that thought far from his mind as he moved to have a seat on the other side of her, reaching out to take her hand. "I'm here, Rocky. I'm... I'm here." There was nothing more he could think to say right now.
~~~ Wesley was quite a good actor. Of course he cared that Rocky was in this mess but he just knew her as the hot girl in shorts. Taking her hand in his, similar to James, the healer closed his eyes after a few moments inspecting the damage. Now that the Doctor had left, he could do the real work. "Okay... let's see what he didn't tell us.... Huh... little internal bleeding here, missed that one. Messy. Oh wow someone did the crosshatch, that's - moving on - bruised tissues.... ouch.... swelling there.... fuck I can mend that later.... oh........" Wes stilled a second, what seemed a meaningful second, before he realised James was still in the room and moved on. "Okay. I'm gonna... start on this so... don't mind me."
~~~ It was almost more difficult listening to what Wes had to say about what was going on inside of his sister than it was listening to what the doctor had to say. He was tense the entire time, offering nothing more than a smile when Wes finally acknowledged him. "Is it okay for me to.. hold her hand like this?" He wasn't sure if that would interfere with things, but he really didn't want to let her go right now.
~~~ Clearing his throat, Wes kept his mind on the task at hand, vision still inside her as his abilities patched her up. "Yup. All fine. Take her hand, she needs you. Who knows what her neural responses are but chances are she knows you're here..." The only difficulty in Wesley's job was making a decision what to heal first. On something this big and important he had to get priorities before he felt his energy go. Bleeding was stopped, swelling was reduced, but now he sucked in a breath. "I'm assuming she wants a family eventually....?" It was a tentative question, but he had to know.
~~~ It was a relief when he told him that he was welcome to hold her hand. She knew he was there. James believed that with all his heart. And he wanted to do more, to say something, but he didn't know what, so he kept silent, saying that it was better that way regardless, that Wesley needed to concentrate. The question, however, came as a shock to him. He looked at the other man with his brow furrowed slightly, exhaling a small breath. "I don't... possibly?" They had never really talked about it before, but she was good with Devon so... perhaps?
~~~ Tilting his head with his eyes closed Wes seemed to be weighing something up. He was almost fucked already and this had to count. Pursing his lips he made a decision. "Fuck it. May as well give her the choice." If he healed too much he'd be in danger of alerting the doctors to something being up, but he could do this. It was either save the falopian tubes or save the nerve in her leg. He could always get to that tomorrow. Taking in a deep breath he felt like he was overheating and he was sure his heat was being absorbed by her. Five minutes later and Wes sat back in his hair, removing his hand from hers with a heavy sigh. He looked drained. "I am getting too old for this shit."
~~~ James hoped that they had made the right call when it came to that. But really, how could giving her the option to have kids in the future be wrong? As long as it wasn't taking away from something else that was more important, why not? It felt like he didn't breathe the whole entire time that Wesley had Rocky's hand in his doing his business, and when he finally pulled away, he exhaled a breath as he offered the other man a small smile. "She's going to be okay, right? Give it to me straight, okay Wes?"
~~~ Rubbing at his eyes Wes nodded. "She'll get through so long as these numpty fucks don't screw her over in the mean time. It's gonna be... odd. They'll notice her improving faster than normal but I can make it so they don't notice drastically. Soon as she's able, we'll move her back to TJS. I'll get Starbuck on it, Mandy too.... right now I just wanna go home, get durnk and mourn."
~~~ James nodded his head. He understood the whole need for secrecy thing. "I'll talk to Hope soon, see what she can do about getting her moved to the infirmary." It would take some time before they would be able to make that happen, perhaps, but hopefully someone with her pull would be able to work something out. A brow quirked slightly in regard to the mourning comment, however. "Mourn.. what exactly?" He hadn't even thought to ask if there was anything going on in the other man's life. They weren't exactly friends but.. he was here, and because of that he felt somewhat obligated to care.
~~~ Slumping a little, Wes shrugged and returned his hand to the arm of the chair. "Roger. He left with Dante to go on some suicide mission and he doesn't know if he's gonna come back, obviously, so...." That was that. James could ask more if he really cared, but Wes didn't feel like discussing it. Looking over at Rocky Wes studied her a moment. "I think I managedt to save her falopian tubes. She has a nerve a little shredded in her leg but I'll get to that tomorrow..."
~~~ "Sorry to hear about that," James said in a soft voice. He didn't ask for more details because, for one, it was none of his business. And for two, Wes didn't seem entirely eager to talk about it. "You'll be back tomorrow, right?" He'd mentioned fixing something else the next day, but James just wanted to make sure.
~~~ Nodding Wes started to bite his nails. "I'll be here tomorrow. I'l try not to drink too much you know an' I'll get Mandy or Starbuck or... someone on it...." For now his head was thudding and he just wanted to go home. Waiting around and then healing all on a hangover and little food... "She might not be awake for a while. Her kind of injuries can cause her body to shut down til its ready."
~~~ "Thanks again," James said, then he moved to his feet to indicate that he was ready to see him out. Wesley looked like he needed to go rest. "I'll walk you back. I need to.. to tell Will what's going on and... " Figure things out. He didn't want to leave. He wasn't sure that he could just stay here. There was Devon to think about and he needed a change of clothes and everything. He said nothing more as he started out of the room, taking a lingering glance back at his sister before heading down the hall.
~~~ Wes knew the signs so he got to his feet, shuffling out of the ward room with a look back at his not-quite-patient. "You'll be okay," he said quietly to her, then moved over to the door and walked out to wave goodbye to Will, who was standing near Devon and texting away on his phone. As the healer moved off, the angel walked up to his husband. "How is she?"
~~~ "Sleeping," James replied simply. "But she'll be fine." He was quick to add that, as though he was trying to convince himself just as much as Will. He sighed, a hand running fingers back through his hair. "I need to stay here," he announced, as though that wouldn't have been expected. "But I need.. I need a change of clothes and... Devon." He glanced over at his son. "Can you think of anyone who can maybe keep him or.... I guess you could stay home with him and I could stay here alone." Though he would rather not, honestly.
~~~ Shaking his head Will stepped towards him, running a hand down his arm. "I'm not leaving you and you're not leaving her. I can find someone for Devon.... maybe..." He knew that the suggestion might not be welcome but Rez had said he'd gladly take the little guy and Devon seemed to really like him. Will trusted Rez, too, oddly enough. "I can think of someone. I'll call him. Okay?"
~~~ James exhaled a breath and nodded his head. "Okay," he replied dryly, then he repeated it as he stepped forward to wrap his arms around his husband in a much needed hug, "Okay." This had been a crazy day. He'd been on the verge of losing both his son and his sister and he got to keep them both now. Or at least he hoped he would. Wes seemed hopeful so... He pulled away after a moment and cleared his throat. "Okay, so... you go do that and..." He exhaled a deep breath. "I'll be.. inside."
~~~ Hugs were good. Will never got tired of a hug, that was something that had crossed over the past few years despite his 'lifestyle'. Clinging onto James for several moments, breathing him in - he smelt of hotness, cologne and hospital - Will stroked a hand over his cheek with a smile. "She'll be okay. Devon will be okay..... and we.... We'll be okay." Though it was an extra stress they now faced, Will was confident he and James would not be hanging to their relationship by a thread. "I'll go call him and then come back... Devon, you cuddle your father, don't want his temperature dropping..." With that Will walked out to ring Rez.
~~~ It struck James as odd that he kept saying "him" instead of mentioning a name, but he had a feeling that he knew exactly who he was. And so he didn't ask. He trusted Will's opinion regardless of.. everything else so he just left it at that. But before Will could get too far away, James took a few steps toward him to grab his arm and pull him back around to face him. And then he kissed him, hands cupping his face as he pressed into the kiss deeply, a soft moan vibrating against the angel's full lips. He needed that. He just needed to feel this for a moment. "Never leave me. Never ever leave me," he said softly, then let him go. "Come on, Dev." He focused his attention then on the little one who he moved to pick up. "Let's go say hi to your auntie." Some would say he was too young to deal with that sort of thing, but seeing as how Devon dealt with dead people on a regular basis, he didn't think seeing Rocky like this would be too much.
~~~ If there was one thing that James could do well, it was kiss. Humming into those lips for a moment Will forgot he was in the hospital and things were in danger of progressing where they really shouldn't. With great self-restraint Will peeled himself from his husband only to hear him utter those words. "I promise," was his answer, before this shmaltz had to stop and he was going to dial his Best Man.